15
Nov 2016
We know our clients consider their pets an important part of the family. When you care so deeply for your pets, it’s natural to want to make sure they are happy and healthy. When the sun is shining, it’s easier and far more desirable to spend loads of time outdoors with walking and playing with our dog friends — but what happens in fall or winter when it’s too cold and dreary to be outside for long? Just like you, your dog needs to follow a regular exercise regimen to stay healthy......
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19
Oct 2016
As the holiday travel season approaches, your family’s plans are likely beginning to come together. For many, a vacation away from home may be in the cards as invites roll in from out-of-town relatives. In the coming weeks, you’ll be arranging transportation, time off from work, last-minute home duties — and if your furry friends won’t be coming along for the ride, you’ll also need to secure pet care. In this case, the two primary options for pet owners to consider are checking your pets into a boarding facility or enlisting the......
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27
Sep 2016
Seattleites are used to talk of “The Big One” — the megaquake projected to happen sometime in the Pacific Northwest’s not-so-distant future. Should a natural disaster strike, you and your family want to be prepared with an evacuation plan and a stockpile of emergency goods. You may already have a disaster kit ready to go for the human members of the family — but what happens to your fur babies in the event of an earthquake or other unforeseen event? If your pets aren’t yet part of your emergency plan, it’s best......
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22
Aug 2016
Our beloved furry friends only grow more endearing as they reach their golden years. But it can be heartbreaking to watch senior pets experience aging symptoms such as vision or hearing loss. The good news is, with a combination of the below techniques, pet parents have the power to boost any blind or deaf pet’s quality of life! Safety-proof your home You’ve likely already completed phase one of pet-proofing your home just before and after you first brought home your bundle of joy. Senior dogs and cats require special consideration as they......
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08
Aug 2016
It’s no secret that even the shyest pets tend to imprint on their owners. While this can mean a whole lot of love, snuggles, pets and playtime, it can also spell trouble when the lovefest must be placed on pause from 9 to 5. Dogs and cats who suffer from separation anxiety can become anxious, distressed, or act out while you’re away — and this can the form of potty accidents, excessive barking or vocalizing, hiding, chewing your personal belongings, shredding the furniture, or other destructive activities. Ease your fuzzball’s stress by planning......
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26
Jul 2016
Some of the most commonly euthanized shelter dogs are medium to large mixed breeds. In 2005, pet and family lifestyle expert and animal welfare supporter Colleen Paige dubbed July 31 and December 2 National Mutt Day in an effort to advocate for these unsung shelter heroes and drive aspiring dog owners to adopt. Whether or not you’re ready to care for a dog of your own, mark your calendar for this summer’s National Mutt Day and choose your preferred mode of celebration at the end of July! 1. Adopt! If you are......
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18
Jul 2016
When it comes to your pet’s laundry list of needs and preferences, you know every detail by heart — and when you leave your dog or cat in a new sitter’s hands, you’ll want to arm them with the same knowledge. Lucky for Sarah’s Pet Care clients, our state-of-the-art software, powered by Precise Petcare, streamlines this process. Does your dog or cat have any food allergies? What kinds of treats are Fido’s favorite? At the same time you register, schedule or pay for our services, you also have the opportunity to provide......
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12
Jul 2016
Wagging puppy tails and kitty curiosity are generally traits that make canine and feline friends so darn charming – but when left alone, your fur babies’ excitability or penchant for investigation just might get them into trouble. According to the National Fire Protection Association, pets and wild animals play a role in starting approximately 700 home fires annually. Whether or not they are the instigators, it is also crucial to include household pets in your family’s disaster evacuation plans. For this reason, the folks at the American Kennel Club joined forces with......
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06
Jun 2016
Most pet service providers focus on dogs, and we’ve definitely talked plenty about our canine companions on this blog. But of course dogs aren’t the only one with needs–cats also need attention, stimulation, exercise, and love. The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease One of the primary reasons dog owners are often more aware of their dogs’ needs is that dogs are, in many ways, harder to neglect than cats. Neglected dogs will whine, bark, or become aggressive, and when they act out they’re capable of doing a lot more damage to things......
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05
May 2016
When you adore your dog, but just can’t stand the shedding fur all over your sofa, it may be time to train your four-legged buddy that this piece of furniture just isn’t a welcome place for him to be. These tips for keeping your dog off the couch are tried and true, provided that you’re consistent and patient … Discipline Training is crucial to your dog following your rules, and if you’re unable to start teaching your dog that the couch is off-limits right from puppyhood (for instance, if your dog is......
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15
Apr 2016
One of the common questions we get from pet owners is how much exercise is right for their dog. Honestly, it can be hard to answer! Exercise needs are based on a blend of factors, including breed, age, temperament, size, and health. And even with these factors taken into consideration, no two dogs are the same – just like people. Athletic breeds like herders or hunting dogs might need as much three runs day, while breeds like pugs will overheat and have trouble breathing if they’re pushed too hard. One thing that’s......
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09
Mar 2016
As we discussed in our last blog post, bloat is one of the most life-endangering and sadly common threats to the health of your dog. During bloat – also known as Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV) – the stomach swells, often rotating 90° to 360°, trapping any food or liquid inside and slowing or stopping blood flow. Bloat can kill a dog in a matter of hours, and it’s crucial that every pet owner knows what to do if they detect signs of this deadly condition. Go to the Vet Immediately If your dog......
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27
Feb 2016
Many dog owners aren’t aware of one of the most common and dangerous threats to a dog’s health: bloat. Also known as “stomach torsion,” or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), bloat is the second leading killer of dogs, after cancer. As such, it’s imperative that you know how to help prevent bloat in your dog, and how to detect bloat if it should occur. What is Bloat? Bloat begins when a dog’s stomach fills with air or any combination of air, fluid, food, or foam, causing the stomach to swell (also known as dilation).......
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11
Feb 2016
If you are a dog owner and dog lover, you can easily conjure up an image of groups of dogs running freely across a field, fetching sticks or balls, rolling in the grass and playing with one another. In fact, that image probably brings a smile to your face – because, for one thing, you love to see dogs having a good time. But you also probably understand intuitively that off-leash time is a great source of exercise for a well-socialized dog. So how do you know if your dog is appropriate......
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19
Jan 2016
When pet owners want to express their love, we have lots of ways of doing it—verbal praise, petting, treats, toys or play. Even though they can’t tell you they love you, your dog has many ways of showing her love, too. Here are a few to look for: Contagious Yawning Humans and dogs are both social animals, and part of social behavior is mimicking the actions or expressions of those around you as an act of unconscious empathy. If you’re talking to someone who smiles, you’re more likely to smile. If they......
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12
Jan 2016
Most people know how they should feed themselves. A healthy human diet is balanced, low in “bad” fats, sufficient in “good” fats, high in protein, and sourced from natural ingredients. Less nutritious treats are ok every once in a while—and even an important aspect of your quality of life—but should be consumed in moderation. Many pet owners don’t apply the same logic to their pet’s diet as they do to their own, causing inadvertent harm. An astonishing 90 percent of the aliments affecting domestic cats and dogs may be related to their......
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28
Dec 2015
When deciding upon a caregiver for your dog, the selection process should be as thorough and careful as choosing a babysitter for your child. Not only should your dog walker be experienced and reliable, but attitudes and beliefs regarding pets and their care are equally important. For instance, Sarah’s Pet Care believes that dogs respond best to positive reinforcement and rewards-based training and care. These methods have proven far more effective and long-lasting, with fewer negative repercussions, than those based in fear or aggression. In fact, when caring for dogs in small......
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26
Sep 2015
Microchipping of Animals FAQ Microchipping of Animals: Information Check the Chip Day Q: What is a microchip? A: A microchip is a small, electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder that is about the same size as a grain of rice. The microchip itself does not have a battery—it is activated by a scanner that is passed over the area, and the radiowaves put out by the scanner activate the chip. The chip transmits the identification number to the scanner, which displays the number on the screen. The microchip itself is also......
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14
Aug 2015
Tips to keep cool in the heat Swimming pools, spraygrounds and cooling centers Don’t use fans as primary cooling system Check on your neighbors Don’t leave kids or pets alone, especially in cars If you work outdoors, take frequent breaks Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing Take advantage of discounted public transit Exercise in an air-condition place and drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour Protect yourself from the sun with suncreen of SPF15 or higher, as well as wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses With high temperatures expected in......
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03
Jul 2015
Humans may “Ooh!” and “Aah!” at the thundering booms of fireworks displays this Fourth of July weekend, but pets are far less impressed. In fact, many dogs and cats are deeply frightened by fireworks displays, and can injure themselves — and even run away — trying to escape the nerve-wracking racket. “The Fourth is the busiest day of the year here because so many dogs get freaked out,” said James Dress, community engagement manager for Sonoma County Animal Services. Dogs left in back yards, for example, can panic at loud sounds they......
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